Meribel family holidays and breaks

Slap-bang in the heart of the Three Valleys along with Courchevel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires, Méribel is connected to its neighbours by a vast network of ski-lifts giving access to more than 600km of piste, which means there’s something for everyone, from pros to families with absolute beginners. And year on year, Méribel is becoming more child-friendly, as the growing number of those returning here for family holidays testifies. 

The skiing is superb (you can easily ski all three valleys), the resort is constantly updating its facilities, and the après-ski is pretty good too, with plenty of bars and restaurants where you can treat the kids to a hot chocolate in a room with a view. 

But don’t ignore Meribel outside of the ski season – once the snow melts, there’s arguably even more to do than in winter. 

Flying Time	1.75 hours
Carbon Footprint	0.72 tonnes CO2
Timezone	GMT +1
Local Currency	Euro

What to Do

Ski. Of 275 runs in this vast area, 101 are easy, 146 intermediate and 28 difficult. Beginners have a choice of gentle slopes close to Méribel itself, while intermediate and advanced skiers can look forward to an extensive and challenging network of slopes, including some very long runs such as the 5km Combe du Vallon. Snowboarders and cross-country skiers are well catered for, too.

Go snow-shoeing, parasailing, snow-biking or take a scenic helicopter flight over the mountains. There’s also an Olympic ice-skating rink, a huge swimming pool and a bowling alley. For something postcard-picturesque, take kids for a spin in a horse-drawn sleigh (winter and summer; book in advance).

Have a mooch around cosmopolitan Méribel with its boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants. The twice-weekly market has a fabulous array of cheeses, cured meats and gifts. 

In summer, head for the adventure park in the Bois d’Arbin, with four circuits of varying difficulty and a mini-course for over-2s, and try out archery at the school in La Chaudanne. With over-8s, try canyoning or hydrospeed. There are also tennis courts (some kid-sized) and indoor and outdoor rock-climbing.

With hikes to suit everyone (pick up a booklet of recommended circuits from the tourist office), pack a picnic and head out. Or hire mountain-bikes and set out with a trail map covering all three valleys (also from the tourist office).

Take over-5s to horse-ride at the Club Hippique du Bois d’Arbin. Or leap in a hot-air balloon, with flights lasting 1–2hrs depending on the wind (dress warmly). Kids need to be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re after a traditional wooden and stone chalet or a more modern option, Meribel has something to suit the needs of all family holidays – and most of it offers doorstep skiing.

A favourite with families is Tarentaise Meribel Mottaret Mark Warner, which provides excellent childcare on and off the slopes. PV Holidays offer a great selection of self-catering apartments with ski-in and ski-out options and childcare.

See the right-hand column of this page for more of our hotel/resort and self-catering recommendations and deals.

When

Because of its high altitude, the Three Valleys offers good snow cover into spring – the ski season runs mid-Dec–mid-April. For family holidays with younger kids, consider January (cheaper, but very cold) or March (more expensive, but less cold). February half term is both busy and expensive.

How

There are frequent flights a day from various UK airports to Geneva in Switzerland, from where it is around a 2.5hr bus-ride or drive. Alternatively, fly to Chambéry and transfer in 1.5hrs. See our family-holidays car-hire page.

In the winter season, Eurostar runs a direct daytime and an overnight train from London or Ashford in Kent to Moûtiers Salins station 18km from Meribel (fares start at £179), but tickets go really quickly so book well in advance.  

Eat

If you're staying in a chalet or hotel, dinner is usually included and child-friendly. If you want a change, or are self catering, there are about 70 restaurants and bars in town, plus about 40 more on the slopes. Food is generally hearty and warming, but it's never cheap, whether it’s mediocre or top-of-the-range. Expect plenty of cheese (fondue is popular, as is tartiflette – potatoes layered with cheese, cream and pieces of bacon), grills, casseroles and stews, plus delicious pastries. 

Cost

Prices for family holidays in Méribel vary significantly depending on when in the ski season you plan to travel, with school holidays putting more pressure on budgets – during February half term, adults should not expect much change from £1,000 (and you can pay more for real luxury), with ski passes and equipment on top. At other times, prices can be half that.

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